FuturePlan: The Clothworkers' Centre for Textiles and Fashion Study and Conservation

The V&A holds one of the most important collections of textiles and fashion in the world, ranging from archaeological textiles to contemporary haute couture. The Clothworkers' Centre will be a dedicated facility to study, conserve, and store the textiles and fashion collection.

Based at Blythe House in Kensington Olympia, the new Centre will bring the V&A's extensive textiles and fashion collection together under one roof, providing appropriate storage to enhance the long-term care of the collection. At the heart of the project will be new and upgraded Conservation studios, a public Study Centre, and a Seminar Room, offering visitors and researchers increased access and improved facilities to study and enjoy this important collection. The original grand entrance to Blythe House - a Grade II Listed Building - will also be reinstated, making it fully accessible and welcoming for visitors. The Clothworkers' Centre will be the most important national and international centre for fashion and textiles.

To allow the collection to be carefully packed and moved, existing textiles and fashion stores and galleries will close from 21 February 2011 and access to the stored collection will be suspended. Please visit the Gallery Closures page for updates as the project progresses. The Clothworkers' Centre will open in 2013.

Design

The V&A has appointed Haworth Tompkins architects to design the Clothworkers' Centre at Blythe House. Recent projects include the refurbishment and expansion of The London Library, the creation of the new Sackler Building at the Royal College of Art, and the renovation and extension of the National Theatre Studio. For more see www.haworthtompkins.com

Donation

The Blythe House Textiles and Fashion development will be named 'The Clothworkers' Centre for Textiles and Fashion Study and Conservation' following a generous lead grant from the Clothworkers' Foundation.

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This development is part of FuturePlan

FuturePlan is transforming the V&A by revitalising visitor facilities and redisplaying the collections. Using the best architects and designers, we are bringing the V&A into the 21st century and restoring modern design and innovation to the heart of the museum.